The shepherd's life of diligence and care-taking, and his tender compassion for the helpless creatures entrusted to his charge, have been employed by the inspired writers to illustrate some of the most precious truths of the gospel. Christ, in His relation to His people, is compared to a shepherd. After the Fall He saw His sheep doomed to perish in the dark ways of sin. To save these wandering ones He left the honors and glories of His Father's house. He says, “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” I will “save My flock, and they shall no more be a prey.” “Neither shall the beast of the land devour them.” Ezekiel 34:16, 22, 28 . His voice is heard calling them to His fold, “a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.” Isaiah 4:6 . His care for the flock is unwearied. He strengthens the weak, relieves th…
"And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 4:6 in this passage.
"And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."
Ellen White directly references John 10:5 in this passage.
"Christ, the Chief Shepherd, has entrusted the care of His flock to His ministers as undershepherds; and He bids them have the same interest that He has manifested, and feel the sacred responsibility of the charge He has entrusted to them. He has solemnly commanded them to be faithful, to feed the flock, to strengthen the weak, to revive the fainting, and to shield them from devouring wolves. PP 191.2"
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
The EGW passage echoes the theme of Christ as the Good Shepherd entrusting the care of the flock to undershepherds, mirroring the self-sacrificing love described in John 10:11. While not a direct quote, the thematic connection is strong.
"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;"
The EGW passage directly alludes to 1 Peter 5:2, discussing the responsibility of ministers to 'feed the flock of God.' The connection is clear and intentional.
"To save His sheep, Christ laid down His own life; and He points His shepherds to the love thus manifested, as their example. But “he that is an hireling, ... whose own the sheep are not,” has no real interest in the flock. He is laboring merely for gain, and he cares only for himself. He studies his own profit instead of the interest of his charge; and in time of peril or danger he will flee, and leave the flock. PP 191.3"
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
The EGW passage draws a parallel between Christ's self-sacrificing love for His sheep and the behavior of a true shepherd, contrasting it with the self-serving actions of a hireling. This directly reflects the themes presented in John 10:11.
"The apostle Peter admonishes the undershepherds: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:2, 3 . Paul says, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:28, 29 . PP 191.4"
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
The EGW passage directly quotes Acts 20:28, making the connection undeniable and explicit.